Illinois Railway Museum Blog

The really BIG event of the year came off without a hitch today with the staging of the largest TROLLEY PAGEANT in IRM history.  I was involved so here are a few pics - hopefully some members will send additional images and they can be added to this entry.

Staging

This edition of the event was massive and involved staging equipment in new areas.  Before lunch the west track of the 50th Avenue station held the Vera Cruz 19 open car, the Sand Springs 68, and CSL 1374 and 144.  There was perhaps half a mile of equipment lined up west of Olson Road.

Crew

For the Sand Springs 68, the crew consisted of Rich Witt as pilot, myself as motorman, and Bob Sundelin as trolley hop.  My sincere thanks to those guys who did a professional job in helping to assure that the operation of this car went smoothly with no delays or other unplanned incidents.

Vintage Cap

Henry Vincent somehow came up with this cap and an original Sand Springs Ry cap badge!  We wore that during the operation to add one small detail to the authenticity.

Bob Miller Photo

And with thanks to Bob Miller for this image, here is my favorite photo of the day.  Of course I may be a bit prejudiced.  The Sand Springs 68, operated by me as it stops before the depot during the parade. What a great photo.

By the numbers, this was a daunting event not to be missed.  47 pieces of equipment operated.  I suspect over 50 volunteers were needed to staff and manage the event, including members from virtually every department in the Museum - including Electric Car Department, Freight Department, Electric Trolley Bus Department, Operations, Internal Combustion, Buildings and Grounds, and yes, even Steam Department!

Those staffing the event did not get to view the spectacle, and that is too bad.  Highlights included main line runbys of multiple car trains, two freight trains pulled by electric locomotives, street railway, interurban, freight locomotives, pantograph equipped equipment, and rapid transit.

The Electric Car Department was audacious in even putting together the concept, and were tireless in preparing equipment for the last several weeks, and recruiting crews and volunteers to assure it actually happened.  WOW!